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Unsafe Sleep For Babies: Florida Group Asks How Much Do You Really Know?

MGN Online

Unsafe sleep is the number one cause of child deaths in Florida. That’s prompted an ongoing state campaign to prevent such deaths. And, one organization has more tips for parents and caregivers about their child’s sleeping conditions.

When Nancy Peck had her first child, she recalls she couldn’t even find her baby in the crib.

“There were so many bumper pads and stuffed animals, and we had the little things around the crib, and that’s just what we did,” she said. “And, they still sell them at the toy store, and when you go to baby showers, people are still giving the bumper pads and the blankets and all of that, but it’s unsafe.”

Now, Peck says she counsels parents and prospective parents about the right way for babies to sleep.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics says that babies should be in their crib alone with nothing other than their jammies, just babies and their beds. And, in fact, their safest in their mother’s room for the first year of their life,” she added.

Her organization—Healthy Families Florida—is a home visiting parent support program with the ultimate goal of preventing child abuse and neglect.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.